76 cops dismissed from service in 2023 — Abalos

A total of 76 police personnel have been dismissed from the service in 2023, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.

In his speech during his New Year's call to the Department, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) had 681 investigation reports against erring policemen.

“In 2023, the NAPOLCOM has investigated and prepared a total of 681 investigation reports and rendered decisions on 437 summary dismissal cases-including 76 who were dismissed from the service, 89 who were demoted, 93 who were suspended, and 11 who were reprimanded,” he said.

Last year, Abalos called on over 950 police colonels and generals to file courtesy resignations to give way to the massive investigation and get rid of rogue cops in the Philippine National Police.

A total of 18 resignations were accepted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a video message released Tuesday, Marcos said that 177 police officers have been charged with drug-related offenses in Metro Manila under his administration.

"Alam naman natin na kung minsan, nadadala ang ating mga opisyal at siyempre hindi natin maaaring pabayaan 'yan. Kaya't ang nangyari, 177 police officers were charged with drug-related offenses, including the planting of evidence, unlawful arrest and excessive violence dito pa lang sa NCR," Marcos said.

(We know that sometimes our officers got involved and we will not ignore that. So, 177 police officers were charged with drug-related offenses, including the planting of evidence, unlawful arrest and excessive violence just here in NCR.)

Marcos said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been pursuing 151,818 court cases from 2022 to 2023 and 121,582 of the accused have already been jailed.

Promotion

Meanwhile, Abalos said they issued a circular giving only 30 working days on deciding the promotion of police personnel.

“Our accountability mechanisms are balanced by efforts to ensure that those worthy of praise, promotion, and recognition are rewarded,” Abalos said.

“The NAPOLCOM, with yours truly as its Chair, has issued last year a resolution imposing a 30-working day deadline on action with respect to PNP promotions,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News